TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - This Saturday, for the fifth time since 2001, Alabama Gymnastics assistant head coach David Patterson will meet some friends at the Tuscaloosa IHoP on Skyland Blvd. where they will get on their bikes and take off into the early morning heat that is Alabama in May.

More than 150 miles later, they will climb off their bikes at their destination, Camp Smile-a-Mile, which is located on the shores of Lake Martin at Children's Harbor.

These cyclists, which come from all over the state of Alabama and all over the country, are part of a unique fundraiser called The Ride of Love, which was started in 2001 by Stephanie Wilkins, a counselor and board member at Camp Smile-A-Mile. In 2002 Patterson, himself a cancer survivor, joined Wilkins for the ride and the duo have been 'on the road' ever since helping grow the Ride and its impact.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Sarah Patterson couldn't accept the 2007 E. Roger Sayers Distinguished Service Award in person when it was announced at the end of April because she was in Salt Lake City, Utah leading the Alabama Gymnastics team to its 25th consecutive NCAA Championship appearance and 25th consecutive top-10 finish.

So at the recent end of the year reception held for the Crimson Tide by the Medalist Club, Dr. Malcolm Portera, chancellor of the University of Alabama system, presented her with the award.

For Patterson, being named the Sayers Award is special for many reasons.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The Alabama Gymnastics team celebrated its 2007 season with a year-end reception hosted by The Medalist Club.

At the reception, held at the Bryant Conference Center, the Crimson Tide was recognized for earning its 25th consecutive NCAA Championship appearance, its 25th consecutive top-10 finish as well as its two individual NCAA crowns among many other achievements.

And in a special presentation, head coach Sarah Patterson was honored with the E. Roger Sayers Distinguished Service Award by University of Alabama Systems Chancellor Malcolm Portera. Patterson could not be on hand when the award was initially announced last week. She and the Crimson Tide were in Salt Lake City, Utah at the national championships at the time.

Don't Forget the MEDALIST CLUB AWARDS RECEPTION to be held on Friday night at 7 P.M. in the Sellers Auditorium of the Bryant Conference Center. If you haven't been contacted by someone and intend to attend, please RSVP to pooh'AT'gymtide.com.